Afghan Special Forces ensure security in northern Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN

08.16.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. JaJuan Broadnax 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

KUNDUZ PROVINCE, Afghanistan –Afghan National Army Special Forces and Afghan National Police repelled a Taliban ambush, killing six Aug. 13 in Kunduz province’s Nowabad district.

A group of nearly 30 Taliban attacked the combined patrol with rockets and small arms fire from multiple directions. The ensuing gun battle lasted several hours. The Afghan security forces eventually suppressed the enemy, forcing the insurgents to retreat.

“I’m an Afghan from this land, and I owe this land my service,” said ANASF team leader Capt. Abdul Nassir Oryakhail. “That’s why I joined the Afghan Army -- to serve my country and defend my country, so people can live comfortably here and breathe with ease.”

The ANASF is an elite military forces that conduct high-risk counterinsurgency operations in remote areas known to be enemy strongholds. These successful missions demonstrate the Afghan National Security Forces’ ability to provide security to the Afghan population while enabling governance and continued development throughout Afghanistan.

The ANASF have conducted more than 23 patrols and operations in the past six months throughout northern Afghanistan. This effort resulted in the capture of multiple Taliban leaders, bomb makers, and weapons traffickers.

ANASF continues to grow in capability, confidence and capacity each day. District leaders from various appreciation the value, the capabilities and assistance of the ANASF, Oryakhail said.

“From what I’ve seen … , Afghanistan has improved every day,” Oryakhail said. “And in 5 years, I think [Afghanistan] will have a brighter future. Security will be even better.”

• Date Taken: 08.16.2013
• Date Posted: 08.16.2013 12:36
• Story ID: 112102
• Location: AF